50-State Challenge Winners from the May 7, 2017 Kalamazoo Marathon

50-State Challenge

A Runner from Every State!

Some runners “collect states” with a goal in mind to run a marathon in all fifty states. The Kalamazoo Marathon took this idea and turned it on it’s head—the goal of our 50-State Challenge is to get a registrant from each of the fifty states (plus DC) to run our marathon.

To entice runners, we award the first registrant from each state with a new pair of running shoes, free race entry, a free meal ticket, and access to their own VIP tent at Tent City on race day. Winners must be present to collect; shoes, reimbursement of registration fee, and meal ticket will be awarded in person only.

This challenge is possible due to the generosity of our 50-State Challenge sponsors, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and Discover Kalamazoo.

How it Works

If you are the first person from your state to register for the Kalamazoo Marathon, you will be notified by email within 10 days of registering. Once the first person registers, that state is no longer “available.” We update the map each Monday. But there is a faster way, in real time, to see if your state is available. Simply go to the RunSignUp registration page and click on Find A Participant. In the search line, type in the two letter code for your state (like FL for Florida or WY for Wyoming). If no participant names show in your search, your state is still “available.” Sign up right away.

If you win, you will be asked — though it is not required — to send us a photo and some information about your running which will be posted on our ‘Meet the 50-Staters’ page.